Nate Guenin signed by Avs to two-year extension

Before the season, Nate Guenin was a long-shot just to make the Avalanche. Not only did the then 30-year-old make it, he now has a contract with the Avs through 2016.

The Avalanche announced Tuesday the team has signed defenseman Nate Guenin to a two-year contract extension through the 2015-16 season. His salary next season will be $750,000, and $850,000 the one after that. He is making $600,000 this season, and could have become an unrestricted free agent.

"I'm still kind of pinching myself," Guenin said. "I'm just real happy and thankful to this organization for giving me a chance."

Guenin, 31, has dressed in 38 of Colorado's 42 games this season, which included each of the first 32 games. He has recorded four points with a team-high 86 blocked shots. The native of Aliquippa, Pa., also ranks first on the Avs in short-handed ice time and is fourth in hits.

"Nate has been very consistent during the first half of the season," said Avalanche executive VP of hockey operations Joe Sakic in a statement. "He has been a reliable member of our defense and we are pleased to have him under contract for the next couple of years."

Guenin signed with Colorado as a free agent on July 5, 2013. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound defenseman has appeared in 70 career NHL games, tallying eight points during stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Anaheim and now Colorado. Guenin was selected by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the 2002 NHL draft.

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